Integrated back support and knee protection apron

ABSTRACT

An integrated back support and knee protection apron configurable for individual users and multiple applications is described. The integrated knee support and knee protection apron combines external support of the lumbar spine giving some measure of protection against back injury from bending, stooping, and lifting with a knee protector system which allows for use of interchangeable knee pads to suit any variety of applications. These features are all contained within a single, unitary garment which is adjustable to fit users of varying sizes by way of separate adjustment systems for the back support elements and the knee protector elements of the device. Additional elements of the device include interchangeable knee pads, interchangeable thigh pads, and a three-tiered adjustment system for a back support belt component of the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

This invention relates to an integrated back support and knee protection apron. Particularly, the invention relates to a wearable combined lower-back support and knee protection apron for use in a variety of commercial and non-commercial construction, repair/servicing, and private non-commercial settings.

State of the Art

Many commercial and non-commercial activities require both bending/stooping and kneeling. Some examples include laying tile and other flooring, roofing, landscaping and gardening, and the like. Wearable devices are available and widely used to support the lower back during such activities. Similarly, wearable knee-pads are also widely available. Use of these devices in combination, however, requires management of a pad for each knee and a back-support—at least three separate items. Although some unitary protective clothing is available, such as coveralls, such clothing does not incorporate back support or additional knee protection. Further, the requirements for various applications are different. For example, working on a finished surface, such as finished tile or a hardwood floor, requires soft-faced knee pads so as to not scuff or mar the finished surface whereas work done on unfinished concrete or outdoors on rock or gravel would quickly destroy a soft-faced pad and requires a hard-surfaced knee pad.

Accordingly, a single unitary wearble device is needed to provide a single, unitary wearable device which provides support for the lower back, knee protection interchangeable to suit a particular application, and that is fully adjustable.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

An integrated discloses an integrated back support and knee protection apron. The apron combines knee pads and a rigid support for the lower back in a garment-like device which is adjustable for various leg and torso lengths and has interchangeable features which may be changed to conform with requirements of multiple applications.

Disclosed is an integrated back support and knee protection apron comprising a unitary garment, further comprising an outer surface; an inner surface; a back support belt; and a first adjustment means; and a knee protector coupled to the unitary garment.

In some embodiments, the first adjustment means further comprises a rear support strap coupled to the unitary garment; a waist coupling means coupled to the unitary garment; and a side support strap coupled to the unitary garment, wherein under a condition of the protection apron worn with the waist coupling means and the side support strap closed, the side support strap at least partially covers the waist coupling means.

In some embodiments, the protection apron further comprises a second adjustment means coupled to the unitary garment. In some embodiments, the second adjustment means comprises a thigh attachment coupled to the unitary garment. In some embodiments, the second adjustment means comprises a leg attachment coupled to the unitary garment. In some embodiments, the second adjustment means comprises a thigh attachment and a leg attachment coupled to the unitary garment. In some embodiments the back support belt further comprises an elastomeric fabric.

In some embodiments, the protection apron further comprises a thigh pad reversibly coupled to the outer surface. In some embodiments, the protection apron further comprises a knee pad reversibly coupled to the outer surface. In some embodiments, the first adjustment means comprises a hook-and-loop attachment means. In some embodiments, the knee protector further comprises a knee protector pocket coupled to the unitary garment; and a knee pad removably coupled to the knee protector pocket. In some embodiments, the knee pad further comprises a cutout. In some embodiments, the knee protector is coupled to the outer surface of the unitary garment.

Disclosed is an integrated back support and knee protection apron comprising a unitary garment comprising a knee protector pocket ; a back support belt; a first adjustment means comprising a rear support strap coupled to the unitary garment, a waist coupling means coupled to the unitary garment, and a side support strap coupled to the unitary garment, wherein under a condition of the protection apron worn with the waist coupling means coupled at a first attachment point and the side support strap coupled at a second attachment point, the side support strap at least partially7 covers the waist coupling means; a knee protector, wherein the knee protector pocket receives the knee protector; and a second adjustment means coupled to the unitary garment wherein the second adjustment means positions the knee protector over the knees of a user.

In some embodiments, the knee protector pocket is coupled to the outer surface. In some embodiments, the knee protector pocket is coupled to the inner surface.

In some embodiments, the protection apron further comprises a thigh pad. In some embodiments, the protection apron further comprises a knee patch. IN some embodiments, the protection apron further comprises a thigh pad and a knee patch.

Disclosed is a method of forming an integrated back support and knee protection apron comprising the steps of cutting a unitary fabric; attaching an adjustment means to the unitary fabric; and coupling a knee protector attachment means to the unitary fabric.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an integrated back support and knee protection apron;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an integrated back support and knee protection apron;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a user wearing an integrated back support and knee protection apron;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a knee protector;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a knee protector;

FIG. 6 is a top detail view of an extra support strap coupled to an integrated back support and knee protection apron;

FIG. 7a-d ; is an illustration of steps for donning an integrated back support and knee protection apron; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting steps of a method of formation of an integrated back support and knee protection apron.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of this invention disclose an integrated back support and knee protection apron. The protection apron provides a wearer with a single means of simultaneously supporting the lower back to protect from strain and injury, and protecting the knees during activities such as kneeling or crawling. Protection is provided in unitary garment with an integrated, adjustable low-back support system and knee protection. The knee protection is interchangeable, according to the type of knee protection needed for the particular application wherein the protection apron is being used. The protection apron is fully adjustable such that the back support elements of the protection apron properly fit the user to provide firm support of the lower back during user activities such as stooping and lifting.

Additionally, methods of forming an integrated back support and knee protection apron are disclosed. Finally, various alternative methods of use are disclosed. The drawing figures are used to illustrate a representative embodiment of the apron itself, a method of formation, and a method of use, and in no way are intended to limit the disclosed invention to the embodiments shown in the figures. They are described fully herein below.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an integrated back support and knee protection apron 100. FIG. 1 shows an apron-like unitary garment 105 and a knee protector 130. Unitary garment 105 has an outer surface 110 which faces externally, away from a user 106 (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 3 and FIG. 7a-d ) of integrated back support and knee protector 100 and an inner surface 111 (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 3) facing and adjacent to clothing worn by user 106. Unitary garment 105 is generally worn by user 106 like an apron, covering the front of user 106 from above the waist to just below the knees and generally covering and providing protection from clothing damage and skin injury to that portion of user 106 covered by unitary garment 105, such as when cutting and laying floor tile, for example. Unitary garment 105 is formed from a suitable material, such as a fabric, which is durable, light, and sufficiently flexible to be worn without unduly restricting movement yet resistant to puncture and tearing. In some embodiments, unitary garment 105 is formed from heavy-grade cotton or other natural fiber, or nylon or other synthetic fiber canvas-type material. In some embodiments, unitary garment 105 is formed from a fabric blend, such as Spandex and cotton or carbon fiber-reinforced with nylon or other synthetic fiber, and the like. In some embodiments, unitary garment 105 is formed from an elastomeric material and/or an elastomeric fabric. In some embodiments, unitary garment 105 is formed by a non-elastomeric material and/or fabric. In some embodiments, unitary garment 105 is formed by a combination of elastomeric and non-elastomeric materials and/or fabrics. These examples are not meant to be limiting; other suitable fabrics and suitable materials may be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, unitary garment 105 further comprises a back support belt 112 and a first adjustment means 116. Back support belt 112 wraps completely around the waist and abdomen of user 106, in some embodiments, and is secured firmly in position at a first attachment point 140 and a second attachment point 141 (See also FIG. 7c-d ) by first adjustment means 116. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, back support belt 112 is that portion of the overall shape of unitary garment 105 which wraps around the waist and abdomen of user 106.

When firmly secured by first adjustment means 116, back support belt 112 supports the lumbar/lower back region of user 106 and may reduce the risk of lumbar/lower back injury of use 106 during activities such as bending, stooping, or lifting. First adjustment means 116 is any means by which the coupled back support belt 112 is adjusted. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, first adjustment means 116 is a conventional hook-and-loop Velcro™ fastener. Some additional non-limiting examples of first adjustment means 116 include buckles, hooks, clamps, tensioners, and the like.

In some embodiments, first adjustment means 116 additionally comprises a rear support strap 126 coupled to unitary garment 105; a waist coupling means 125 and/or a side support strap 127 coupled to unitary garment 105, wherein side support strap 127 reversibly couples to back support belt 112 at second attachment point 141 and overlies first attachment point 140 in a condition wherein integrated back support and knee protection apron 100 is worn with waist coupling means 125 and side support strap 127 are in closed positions. As shown in FIG. 1, rear support strap 126, in some embodiments, is a fabric strap coupled to back support belt 112.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a user wearing an integrated back support and knee protection apron. FIG. 3 shows back support belt 112 snugly encircling the waist of user 106 just above the hips wherein back support belt 112 provides a degree of protection against low-back strain or injury from stooping or lifting to user 106. FIG. 3 also shows knee patch 133 overlying knee protector 130 (not shown) which is properly positioned over the kneecap of user 106 and secured in place by second adjustment means 117 comprising thigh attachment 142 and leg attachment 143. Unitary garment 105 is shown from a side-rear perspective covering the front and a portion of the side of user 106's clothing and protecting said clothing from staining, tearing, and other damage arising from user 106's activities. Additionally, unitary garment 105 provides a degree of protection to that portion of user 106's skin covered by unitary garment 105.

As also shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments of protection apron 100, a thigh pad 134 is coupled to outer surface 110. Similar to knee patch 133, Thigh pad 134 functions to give additional protection to user 106's thighs and to protect outer surface 110 of unitary garment 105 from increased wear, abrasion, and other damage. Similar to means of coupling of knee pad 134 to outer surface 110, thigh pad 134 reversibly couples to outer surface 110 by a suitable and commercially available coupling means known in the art, some non-limiting examples including but not limited to fasteners such as VelcroTM hook-and-loop, snaps, hooks, adhesives, and the like. Thigh pad 134, in some embodiments, is formed from leather, heavy canvas cloth, other natural or synthetic cloth fabrics, or other synthetic materials such as hardened plastic, according to the requirements of the particular application in which user 106 is engaged. Thigh pad 134, in some embodiments, is replaceable and/or interchangeable, thus allowing for easy replacement as necessary when thigh pad 134 becomes worn or damaged during the course of use.

FIG. 3 shows integrated back support and knee protection apron 100 additionally comprising knee protector 130 coupled to unitary garment 105. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show additional front and rear views respectively of knee protector 130. Knee protector 130 dissipates force between a surface upon which user 106 is keeling or crawling and may take many forms. For example, knee protector 130, in some embodiments, is a cloth or membranous cover enclosing a foam pad, such as a latex foam or polyurethane foam; a gel pad, such as a polyurethane gel or a silicone gel; or a composite pad, such as containing a combination of foam and gel elements, a combination of different foam elements and/or a combination of different gel elements. It is anticipated that any suitable commercially available, cushioning material otherwise known in the art may be used to form knee protector 130. In some embodiments, knee protector 130 comprises a cutout 132, as shown in FIG. 5. Cutout 132 distributes a kneeling force laterally away from the pre-patellar bursa of user 106 to the periphery of user 106's patella to decrease user 106's discomfort when kneeling and additionally reduce the risk of user 106 developing bursitis. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and some other embodiments, cutout 132 has a distorted mushroom shape, however this is by example and not meant to be limiting. Cutout 132 may be shaped in an ellipsoid, including a circle; a polygon, including a square or a rectangle; or any suitable shape so as to distribute pressure on the pre-patellar bursa generate by kneeling away from the center and toward then periphery of the patella. In such embodiments, user 106 may select knee protector 130 from a plurality of different embodiments of knee protector 130 according the intended application wherein integrated back support and knee protection apron 100 is to be used. A wide range of materials, thicknesses, softness/hardness and shapes of knee protector 130 are anticipated. User 106 may also easily and readily exchange an old or damaged knee protector 130 by simply removing knee protector 130 from knee protector pocket 121 and inserting a new or undamaged protector 130, as needed.

In some embodiments, knee protector 130 is contained by a knee protector pocket 131 coupled to unitary garment 105. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, knee protector pocket 121 is coupled to inner surface 111 of unitary garment 105 such that knee protector 130 may be inserted or removed from knee protector pocket 121 and is therefore replaceable and fully interchangeable.

In some embodiments, knee protector 130 reversibly couples directly to unitary garment 105. Any suitable and commercially available coupling means known in the art is used, some examples of such coupling means including but not limited to fasteners such as Velcro™ hook-and-loop, snaps, hooks, and the like. In some embodiments, knee protector 130 is reversibly couples to outer surface 10 of unitary garment 105. In some embodiments, knee protector 130 is reversibly coupled to inner surface 111 of unitary garment 105.

In some embodiments wherein knee protector 130, with or without knee protector pocket 131, couples at inner surface 111 of unitary garment 105, integrated back support and knee protection apron 100 further comprises a knee patch 133. Knee patch 133, in some embodiments, reversibly couples to outer surface 110 of unitary garment 105, utilizing a suitable and commercially available coupling means known in the art is used, some examples of such coupling means including but not limited to fasteners such as hook-and-loop, snaps, hooks, and the like. Knee patch 133 is reversibly coupled to unitary garment 105 and thus interchangeable, and is formed from a material that is compatible with the application wherein integrated back support and knee protection apron is used. For example, if user 106 is working indoors repairing a soft or polished surface, such as hardwood flooring or stone flooring, know patch 133 may be formed from a relatively non-abrasive natural or synthetic cloth fabric, such as cotton or a microfiber. Conversely, if user 106 is working on bare concrete, or outdoors on rock, earth, or soil, knee patch 133 may be formed from a more durable natural or synthetic material, such as leather, heavy canvas cloth, or hardened plastic. The aforementioned listed materials forming knee patch 133 are by example only and not meant to be limiting.

FIG. 6 is a top detail view of side support strap 127 coupled to an integrated back support and knee protection apron. FIG. 6 shows the coupling of side support straps 127 to back support belt 112 on a seam 121. In some embodiments, side support strap 127 is coupled to an elastomeric member 120, as shown in FIG. 6. Elastomeric member 120 is a piece of elastomeric fabric couple to a surface of support strap 127. Elastomeric member 120 is, in turn coupled to back support belt 112 along seam 120. Elastomeric member 120 functions to equalize tension along side support strap 127 under a condition wherein side support strap 127 is fixed between the two second attachment points 141, as discussed further herein below. In some embodiments (not shown), elastomeric member 120 is absent and side support strap is coupled directly to back support belt 112 at seam 121. Seam 121, in some embodiments, is a stitched seam. Other embodiments, seam 121 is a coupling of side support strap 127, with or without intervening elastomeric member 120, by fasteners such as rivets, staples, or clips; adhesives; or thermal bonding of the materials comprising side support strap 127 with back support belt 112 and/or elastomeric member 120. These examples are not meant to be limiting; any suitable attachment means may be employed at seam 121.

FIG. 7a-d shows steps for donning an integrated back support and knee protection apron 100. When donning protection apron 100, sequential steps are followed to ensure that back support belt 1121 and knee protector 130 of protection apron 100 are properly fitted to the individual user such that protection from injury to the user's lower back and the knees is accomplished by apron 100.

First, user 106 lifts protection apron 100 to user's waist area and couples two rear support straps 126 to one-another behind user user 106's lower back. FIG. 7a shows apron 100 on user 106 with two rear support straps 126 coupled to one another. In some embodiments, rear support straps 126 are fitted with hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro™ fasteners, for coupling to one another, however this is not meant to be limiting. Other commercially available coupling means known in the art, such as hooks, snaps, buckles, and the like may be used. When coupled to one another behind the lower back of user 106, rear support straps 126 secure integrated back support and knee protection apron 100 generally in position on user 106 and facilitates subsequent fastening and adjustment of back support belt 112 and second adjustment means 117 by user 106, as discussed in detail herein below.

FIG. 7b shows second adjustment means 117 securing a knee protector 130 in proper position over the knees of user 106. Second adjustment means 117, when present in an embodiment, functions to properly position knee protector 130 such that when back support belt 112 is in the correct position around the waist and abdomen of user 106, each knee protector 130 remains properly positioned over a knee of user 106. Second adjustment means 117 permits different users with different thigh and torso lengths to position knee protector 130 relative to back support belt 112 as needed to properly fit integrated back support and knee protection apron 100 to these body dimensions. Second adjustment means 117 is defined as any means to adjust and secure the position of knee protector 130 in relation to knee of user 106 and/or back support belt 112. Second adjustment means 117, in some embodiments, comprises a strap coupled to a buckle or tensioner device; a snap; a button; a fastener, such as a hook-and-loop fastener; or the like.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIG. 7a-d , for example, second adjustment means 117 comprises a leg attachment 143. In some embodiments, second adjustment means 117 comprises a thigh attachment 142. In some embodiments, leg attachment 143 is a fabric strap coupled to unitary garment in proximity to knee protector 130 wherein leg attachment 143 can be fastened around the lower leg below the knee of user 106 to hold knee protector 130 in position over the knee of user 106. This is not meant to be limiting; leg attachment 143 may utilize an alternative fastening means, such as snaps, hooks, buckles, and the like. In some embodiments, leg attachment 143 is an elastomeric band encircling the lower leg of user 106. Similarly, in some embodiments thigh attachment 142 is a fabric strap coupled to unitary garment in proximity to knee protector 130 wherein thigh attachment 142 can be fastened around the lower thigh of user 106 in proximity to knee protector 130 and fastened to hold knee protector 130 and knee patch 133 in position generally centered over the knee of user 106. Thigh attachment 142, like leg attachment 143, comprises a fastening means, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, hooks, buckles, and the like. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 7a-d , integrated back support and knee protection apron 100 comprises both leg attachment 143 and thigh attachment 142.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 7a , second adjustment means comprises both leg attachment 143 and thigh attachment 142. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIG. 7a-d , leg attachment 143 and thigh attachment 142 comprise Velcro™ hook-and-loop fasteners. FIG. 7b shows second adjustment means 117 engaged to secure knee protector 130 in position on user 106.

FIG. 7c shows waist coupling means 125 coupled at first attachment point 140. With rear support straps 126 reversibly coupled to one another to support protective apron 100 on user 106 as shown in FIG. 7a and second adjustment means 117 securing knee protector 130 in position over user 106's knees, user 106 then wraps back support belt 112 securely around the waist and lower abdomen and reversibly couples back support belt 112 to itself by coupling waist coupling means 125 at first attachment point 140 located near the mid lower-back of user 106, as shown by FIG. 7c . First attachment point 140 is the point at which back support belt 112 at inner surface 111 of unitary garment 105 couples to back support belt 112 at outer surface 110 of unitary garment 104 by waist coupling means 125.

First adjustment means 116 functions to reversibly couple back support belt 112 together at first attachment point 140, thereby allowing user 106 to adjust a variable length of back support belt. In this manner, user 106 chooses how much lower back support to generate from back support belt 112 by adjusting the exact position where waist coupling means 125 couples at first attachment point 140. By tightening or loosening tension of back support belt 112 at first attachment point 140, user 106 finely adjusts the degree of lower back support provided by back support belt 112. In some embodiments, waist coupling means is corresponding cloth patches of hook-and-loop fasteners coupled to outer surface 110 of back support belt 112 and the corresponding inner surface on the opposite arm of back support belt 112, as shown in FIG. 7c . The use of hook-and-loop fasteners is, not meant to be limiting; some embodiments comprise other suitable fastening means known in the art and previously discussed herein above. For example, in some embodiments, waist coupling means 125 is a buckle. In some embodiments, waist coupling means 125 is an adjustable fastener. Other adjustable fastening means conceivably can be used to provide an adjustable waist coupling means 125 coupling at first attachment point 140.

FIG. 7d shows side support straps 127 reversibly coupled to back support belt 112 of unitary garment 105 at second attachment point 141. User 106 adjusts waist coupling means 125 such that back support belt 112 is positioned snugly, but not too tightly, around user 106's waist at a location just above the hip bones and fully below the rib cage. In some embodiments, use of side support strap 127 of first adjustment means 116 bolsters the closure of waist coupling means 125. With waist coupling means 125 coupled at first attachment point 140, side support strap 127 is passed around user 106's waist outside and over the coupled first adjustment means 116 and reversibly couples side support strap 127 at second attachment point 141 wherein secured side support strap 127 covers and reinforces coupled waist coupling means 125. Second attachment point 141 is defined as the point on back support belt 112 outer surface 110 of unitary garment 105 at which side support strap 127 reversibly couples to back support belt 112. Some embodiments of protective apron 100 comprise a single second attachment point 141. Some embodiments of protective apron 100 comprise two second attachment points 141. In this manner, secured side support strap 127 provides a degree of protection from slipping/loosening or dislodgment and un-coupling of coupled waist coupling means 125 with resulting diminished or lost functionality of back support belt 112.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting steps of a method 200 of formation of an integrated back support and knee protection apron. Method 200 comprises a cutting step 210, an attaching step 220, and a coupling step 230.

Cutting step 210 comprises cutting a unitary fabric. A unitary fabric is cut with a conventional cutting means particular to and suitable for the material composition of the unitary fabric, and forms the unitary fabric into a shape for an integrated back support and knee protection apron. Cutting step 210 is also, in some embodiments, particular to the size of a user of an integrated back support and knee protection apron.

Attaching step 220 comprises attaching an adjustment means to a unitary fabric. Attaching step 220, in some embodiments, is performed in a manner particular to and appropriate for the material composition of the unitary garment and individual elements of the adjustment means. Some non-limiting examples of attaching the adjustment means include stitching, gluing, annealing, clamping, or fastening utilizing a commercially available fastener. In some embodiments wherein the unitary garment and the elements of the adjusting means are cloth fabric, stitching is used. It is anticipated that many possible means and combination of means known and used in the art will be employed in attaching step 220.

Coupling step 230 comprises coupling a knee protector attachment means to a unitary garment. Similar to attaching step 220, coupling step 230, in some embodiments, is performed in a manner particular to and appropriate for the material composition of the unitary garment and elements of the knee protector attachment means.

This invention overcomes the aforementioned and other difficulties encountered with using prior art, like providing a single, unitary wearable device which provides support for the lower back and knee protection interchangeable to suit a particular application, which is fully adjustable to fit a particular individual user.

Exceptional results can be obtained with the integrated back support and knee protection apron and method of formation as described in this disclosure, including the various example described embodiments of the invention. The integrated back support and knee protection apron is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. The integrated back support and knee protection apron provides protection against low-back strain and other injuries, pre-patellar bursitis and other knee injuries related to crawling, while protecting the user's underlying clothing and skin. Thus, the various embodiments of the integrated back support and knee protection apron and disclosed method of formation have immediate commercial and non-commercial applicability.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated protection apron comprising: a unitary garment, wherein the unitary garment comprises further comprising an outer surface; an inner surface; a back support belt; and a first adjustment means; and a knee protector coupled to the unitary garment.
 2. The protection apron of claim 1, wherein the first adjustment means further comprises: a rear support strap coupled to the unitary garment; a waist coupling means coupled to the unitary garment; and a side support strap coupled to the unitary garment, wherein the waist coupling means and the side support strap in a closed position at least partially covers the waist coupling means under a condition of the protection apron worn with the waist coupling means and the side support strap closed, the side support strap at least partially covers the waist coupling means.
 3. The protection apron of claim 1, further comprising a second adjustment means coupled to the unitary garment.
 4. The protection apron of claim 3, wherein the second adjustment means comprises a thigh attachment coupled to the unitary garment.
 5. The protection apron of claim 3, wherein the second adjustment means comprises a leg attachment coupled to the unitary garment.
 6. The protection apron of claim 3, wherein the second adjustment means comprises a thigh attachment and a leg attachment coupled to the unitary garment.
 7. The protection apron of claim 1, wherein the back support belt further comprises an elastomeric fabric.
 8. The protection apron of claim 1, further comprising a thigh pad reversibly coupled to the outer surface.
 9. The protection apron of claim 1, further comprising a knee pad reversibly coupled to the outer surface.
 10. The protection apron of claim 1, wherein the first adjustment means comprises a hook-and-loop attachment means.
 11. The protection apron of claim 1, wherein the knee protector further comprises a knee protector pocket coupled to the unitary garment; and a knee pad removably coupled to the knee protector pocket.
 12. The protection apron of claim 11, wherein the knee pad further comprises a cutout.
 13. The knee protector of claim 11, wherein the knee protector is coupled to the outer surface of the unitary garment.
 14. An integrated back support and knee protection apron comprising: a unitary garment comprising a knee protector pocket; a back support belt; a first adjustment means comprising a rear support strap coupled to the unitary garment; a waist coupling means coupled to the unitary garment; and a side support strap coupled to the unitary garment, wherein under a condition of the protection apron worn with the waist coupling means coupled at a first attachment point and the side support strap coupled at a second attachment point, the side support strap at least partially covers the waist coupling means; a knee protector, wherein the knee protector pocket receives the knee protector; and a second adjustment means coupled to the unitary garment wherein the second adjustment means positions the knee protector over the knees of a user.
 15. The protection apron of claim 11, wherein the knee protector pocket is coupled to the outer surface.
 16. The protection apron of claim 11, wherein the knee protector pocket is coupled to the inner surface.
 17. The protection apron of claim 11, further comprising a thigh pad.
 18. The protection apron of claim 11, further comprising a knee patch.
 19. The protection apron of claim 11, further comprising a thigh pad and a knee patch.
 20. A method of forming an integrated back support and knee protection apron comprising the steps of: cutting a unitary fabric; attaching an adjustment means to the unitary fabric; and coupling a knee protector attachment means to the unitary fabric. 